1
|
Brebner JS, Loconsole M, Hanley D, Vasas V. Through an animal's eye: the implications of diverse sensory systems in scientific experimentation. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240022. [PMID: 39016597 PMCID: PMC11253838 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
'Accounting for the sensory abilities of animals is critical in experimental design.' No researcher would disagree with this statement, yet it is often the case that we inadvertently fall for anthropocentric biases and use ourselves as the reference point. This paper discusses the risks of adopting an anthropocentric view when working with non-human animals, and the unintended consequences this has on our experimental designs and results. To this aim, we provide general examples of anthropocentric bias from different fields of animal research, with a particular focus on animal cognition and behaviour, and lay out the potential consequences of adopting a human-based perspective. Knowledge of the sensory abilities, both in terms of similarities to humans and peculiarities of the investigated species, is crucial to ensure solid conclusions. A more careful consideration of the diverse sensory systems of animals would improve many scientific fields and enhance animal welfare in the laboratory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna S. Brebner
- Research Centre on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI); CNRS, University Paul Sabatier – Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Maria Loconsole
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniel Hanley
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Vera Vasas
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, BrightonBN1 9RH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bousquet CAH, Sueur C, King AJ, O'Bryan LR. Individual and ecological heterogeneity promote complex communication in social vertebrate group decisions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230204. [PMID: 38768211 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
To receive the benefits of social living, individuals must make effective group decisions that enable them to achieve behavioural coordination and maintain cohesion. However, heterogeneity in the physical and social environments surrounding group decision-making contexts can increase the level of difficulty social organisms face in making decisions. Groups that live in variable physical environments (high ecological heterogeneity) can experience barriers to information transfer and increased levels of ecological uncertainty. In addition, in groups with large phenotypic variation (high individual heterogeneity), individuals can have substantial conflicts of interest regarding the timing and nature of activities, making it difficult for them to coordinate their behaviours or reach a consensus. In such cases, active communication can increase individuals' abilities to achieve coordination, such as by facilitating the transfer and aggregation of information about the environment or individual behavioural preferences. Here, we review the role of communication in vertebrate group decision-making and its relationship to heterogeneity in the ecological and social environment surrounding group decision-making contexts. We propose that complex communication has evolved to facilitate decision-making in specific socio-ecological contexts, and we provide a framework for studying this topic and testing related hypotheses as part of future research in this area. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christophe A H Bousquet
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz , Konstanz 78457, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz , Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Cédric Sueur
- Institut pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien , Strasbourg 67000, France
- Institut Universitaire de France , Paris 75005, France
| | - Andrew J King
- Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering , Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Lisa R O'Bryan
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University , Houston, TX 77005, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gordon SP, Axelrod CJ, Bansal U, Gurholt H, Tran S, Yang Y. Embracing the diversity in diverse warning signals. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:225-228. [PMID: 38267287 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Positive frequency-dependent selection should theoretically lead to monomorphic warning coloration. Instead, numerous examples of polymorphic warning signals exist. Biases - for example, in human perception - hinder our appreciation and research of understanding warning signal diversity. We propose strategies to counter such biases and objectively move our field forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swanne P Gordon
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Caleb J Axelrod
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Udita Bansal
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Gurholt
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Tran
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Yusan Yang
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hemingson CR, Cowman PF, Bellwood DR. Analysing biological colour patterns from digital images: An introduction to the current toolbox. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11045. [PMID: 38500859 PMCID: PMC10945235 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the numerous roles that colouration serves in the natural world has remained a central focus in many evolutionary and ecological studies. However, to accurately characterise and then compare colours or patterns among individuals or species has been historically challenging. In recent years, there have been a myriad of new resources developed that allow researchers to characterise biological colours and patterns, specifically from digital imagery. However, each resource has its own strengths and weaknesses, answers a specific question and requires a detailed understanding of how it functions to be used properly. These nuances can make navigating this emerging field rather difficult. Herein, we evaluate several new techniques for analysing biological colouration, with a specific focus on digital images. First, we introduce fundamental background knowledge about light and perception to be considered when designing and implementing a study of colouration. We then show how numerous modifications can be made to images to ensure consistent formatting prior to analysis. After, we describe many of the new image analysis approaches and their respective functions, highlighting the type of research questions that they can address. We demonstrate how these various techniques can be brought together to examine novel research questions and test specific hypotheses. Finally, we outline potential future directions in colour pattern studies. Our goal is to provide a starting point and pathway for researchers wanting to study biological colour patterns from digital imagery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Hemingson
- The Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem FunctionsJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Peter F. Cowman
- Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Queensland Museum TropicsTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - David R. Bellwood
- The Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem FunctionsJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ding SS, Fox JL, Gordus A, Joshi A, Liao JC, Scholz M. Fantastic beasts and how to study them: rethinking experimental animal behavior. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247003. [PMID: 38372042 PMCID: PMC10911175 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Humans have been trying to understand animal behavior at least since recorded history. Recent rapid development of new technologies has allowed us to make significant progress in understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying behavior, a key goal of neuroethology. However, there is a tradeoff when studying animal behavior and its underlying biological mechanisms: common behavior protocols in the laboratory are designed to be replicable and controlled, but they often fail to encompass the variability and breadth of natural behavior. This Commentary proposes a framework of 10 key questions that aim to guide researchers in incorporating a rich natural context into their experimental design or in choosing a new animal study system. The 10 questions cover overarching experimental considerations that can provide a template for interspecies comparisons, enable us to develop studies in new model organisms and unlock new experiments in our quest to understand behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Serena Ding
- Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jessica L. Fox
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Andrew Gordus
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Abhilasha Joshi
- Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - James C. Liao
- Department of Biology, The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
| | - Monika Scholz
- Max Planck Research Group Neural Information Flow, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Williams HJ, Sridhar VH, Hurme E, Gall GE, Borrego N, Finerty GE, Couzin ID, Galizia CG, Dominy NJ, Rowland HM, Hauber ME, Higham JP, Strandburg-Peshkin A, Melin AD. Sensory collectives in natural systems. eLife 2023; 12:e88028. [PMID: 38019274 PMCID: PMC10686622 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Groups of animals inhabit vastly different sensory worlds, or umwelten, which shape fundamental aspects of their behaviour. Yet the sensory ecology of species is rarely incorporated into the emerging field of collective behaviour, which studies the movements, population-level behaviours, and emergent properties of animal groups. Here, we review the contributions of sensory ecology and collective behaviour to understanding how animals move and interact within the context of their social and physical environments. Our goal is to advance and bridge these two areas of inquiry and highlight the potential for their creative integration. To achieve this goal, we organise our review around the following themes: (1) identifying the promise of integrating collective behaviour and sensory ecology; (2) defining and exploring the concept of a 'sensory collective'; (3) considering the potential for sensory collectives to shape the evolution of sensory systems; (4) exploring examples from diverse taxa to illustrate neural circuits involved in sensing and collective behaviour; and (5) suggesting the need for creative conceptual and methodological advances to quantify 'sensescapes'. In the final section, (6) applications to biological conservation, we argue that these topics are timely, given the ongoing anthropogenic changes to sensory stimuli (e.g. via light, sound, and chemical pollution) which are anticipated to impact animal collectives and group-level behaviour and, in turn, ecosystem composition and function. Our synthesis seeks to provide a forward-looking perspective on how sensory ecologists and collective behaviourists can both learn from and inspire one another to advance our understanding of animal behaviour, ecology, adaptation, and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Williams
- Max Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorKonstanzGermany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Biology Department, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | - Vivek H Sridhar
- Max Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorKonstanzGermany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Biology Department, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | - Edward Hurme
- Max Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorKonstanzGermany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Biology Department, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | - Gabriella E Gall
- Max Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorKonstanzGermany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Biology Department, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Zukunftskolleg, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | | | | | - Iain D Couzin
- Max Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorKonstanzGermany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Biology Department, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | - C Giovanni Galizia
- Biology Department, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Zukunftskolleg, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | - Nathaniel J Dominy
- Zukunftskolleg, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth CollegeHanoverUnited States
| | - Hannah M Rowland
- Max Planck Research Group Predators and Toxic Prey, Max Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana-ChampaignUnited States
| | - James P Higham
- Zukunftskolleg, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Department of Anthropology, New York UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin
- Max Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorKonstanzGermany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Biology Department, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | - Amanda D Melin
- Zukunftskolleg, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Buchinger TJ, Li W. Chemical communication and its role in sexual selection across Animalia. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1178. [PMID: 37985853 PMCID: PMC10662023 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05572-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection has been studied as a major evolutionary driver of animal diversity for roughly 50 years. Much evidence indicates that competition for mates favors elaborate signaling traits. However, this evidence comes primarily from a few taxa, leaving sexual selection as a salient evolutionary force across Animalia largely untested. Here, we reviewed the evidence for sexual selection on communication across all animal phyla, classes, and orders with emphasis on chemoreception, the only sense shared across lifeforms. An exhaustive literature review documented evidence for sexual selection on chemosensory traits in 10 of 34 animal phyla and indications of sexual selection on chemosensory traits in an additional 13 phyla. Potential targets of sexual selection include structures and processes involved in production, delivery, and detection of chemical signals. Our review suggests sexual selection plays a widespread role in the evolution of communication and highlights the need for research that better reflects animal diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Buchinger
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- Biology Department, Albion College, Albion, MI, USA.
| | - Weiming Li
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
John L, Santon M, Michiels NK. Scorpionfish rapidly change colour in response to their background. Front Zool 2023; 20:10. [PMID: 36864453 PMCID: PMC9983180 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-023-00488-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To facilitate background matching in heterogenous environments, some animals rapidly change body colouration. Marine predatory fishes might use this ability to hide from predators and prey. Here, we focus on scorpionfishes (Scorpaenidae), well-camouflaged, bottom-dwelling sit-and-wait predators. We tested whether Scorpaena maderensis and Scorpaena porcus adjust body luminance and hue in response to three artificial backgrounds and thereby achieve background matching. Both scorpionfish species are also red fluorescent, which could contribute to background matching at depth. Therefore, we tested whether red fluorescence is also regulated in response to different backgrounds. The darkest and the lightest backgrounds were grey, while the third background was orange of intermediate luminance. Scorpionfish were placed on all three backgrounds in a randomised repeated measures design. We documented changes in scorpionfish luminance and hue with image analysis and calculated contrast to the backgrounds. Changes were quantified from the visual perspective of two potential prey fishes, the triplefin Tripterygion delaisi and the goby Pomatoschistus flavescens. Additionally, we measured changes in the area of scorpionfish red fluorescence. Because scorpionfish changed quicker than initially expected, we measured luminance change at a higher temporal resolution in a second experiment. RESULTS Both scorpionfish species rapidly adjusted luminance and hue in response to a change of background. From prey visual perspective, scorpionfishes' body achromatic and chromatic contrasts against the background were high, indicating imperfect background matching. Chromatic contrasts differed considerably between the two observer species, highlighting the importance of choosing natural observers with care when studying camouflage. Scorpionfish displayed larger areas of red fluorescence with increasing luminance of the background. With the second experiment, we showed that about 50% of the total luminance change observed after one minute is achieved very rapidly, in five to ten seconds. CONCLUSION Both scorpionfish species change body luminance and hue in response to different backgrounds within seconds. While the achieved background matching was suboptimal for the artificial backgrounds, we propose that the observed changes were intended to reduce detectability, and are an essential strategy to camouflage in the natural environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie John
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf Der Morgenstelle 28, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Matteo Santon
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf Der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany ,grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Ecology of Vision Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ UK
| | - Nico K. Michiels
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf Der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dixit T, Apostol AL, Chen KC, Fulford AJC, Town CP, Spottiswoode CN. Visual complexity of egg patterns predicts egg rejection according to Weber's law. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220710. [PMID: 35858060 PMCID: PMC9277300 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual complexity is ubiquitous in nature. Drivers of complexity include selection in coevolutionary arms races between antagonists. However, the causes and consequences of biological complexity and its perception are largely understudied, partly because complexity is difficult to quantify. Here, we address this by studying egg pattern complexity and its perception in hosts (tawny-flanked prinia Prinia subflava), which visually recognize and reject mimetic eggs of their virulent brood parasite (cuckoo finch Anomalospiza imberbis). Using field data and an optimization algorithm, we compute a complexity metric which predicts rejection of experimentally placed conspecific eggs in prinia nests. Real cuckoo finch eggs exhibit significantly lower pattern complexity than prinia eggs, suggesting that high complexity benefits hosts because it distinguishes host eggs from parasitic eggs. We show that prinias perceive complexity differences according to Weber's law of proportional processing (i.e. relative, rather than absolute, differences between stimuli are processed in discrimination, such that two eggs with simple patterns are more easily discriminable than two with complex patterns). This may influence coevolutionary trajectories of hosts and parasites. The new methods presented for quantifying complexity and its perception can help us to understand selection pressures driving the evolution of complexity and its consequences for species interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanmay Dixit
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Kuan-Chi Chen
- Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Claire N. Spottiswoode
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,DST-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Osorio D, Ménager F, Tyler CW, Darmaillacq AS. Multi-level control of adaptive camouflage by European cuttlefish. Curr Biol 2022; 32:2556-2562.e2. [PMID: 35508171 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
To camouflage themselves on the seafloor, European cuttlefish Sepia officinalis control the expression of about 30 pattern components to produce a range of body patterns.1 If each component were under independent control, cuttlefish could produce at least 230 patterns. To examine how cuttlefish deploy this vast potential, we recorded cuttlefish on seven experimental backgrounds, each designed to resemble a pattern component, and then compared their responses to predictions of two models of sensory control of component expression. The body pattern model proposes that cuttlefish integrate low-level sensory cues to categorize the background and co-ordinate component expression to produce a small number of overall body patterns.2-4 The feature matching model proposes that each component is expressed in response to one (or more) local visual features, and the overall pattern depends upon the combination of features in the background. Consistent with the feature matching model, six of the backgrounds elicited a specific set of one to four components, whereas the seventh elicited eleven components typical of a disruptive body pattern. This evidence suggests that both modes of control are important, and we suggest how they can be implemented by a recent hierarchical model of the cuttlefish motor system.5,6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Osorio
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - François Ménager
- UMR 6552 EthoS Equipe NECC, UNICAEN, University of Rennes, CNRS, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Christopher W Tyler
- Division of Optometry, City University, London, UK; Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94115-1813, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Felin T, Koenderink J. A Generative View of Rationality and Growing Awareness †. Front Psychol 2022; 13:807261. [PMID: 35465538 PMCID: PMC9021390 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.807261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper we contrast bounded and ecological rationality with a proposed alternative, generative rationality. Ecological approaches to rationality build on the idea of humans as "intuitive statisticians" while we argue for a more generative conception of humans as "probing organisms." We first highlight how ecological rationality's focus on cues and statistics is problematic for two reasons: (a) the problem of cue salience, and (b) the problem of cue uncertainty. We highlight these problems by revisiting the statistical and cue-based logic that underlies ecological rationality, which originate from the misapplication of concepts in psychophysics (e.g., signal detection, just-noticeable-differences). We then work through the most popular experimental task in the ecological rationality literature-the city size task-to illustrate how psychophysical assumptions have informally been linked to ecological rationality. After highlighting these problems, we contrast ecological rationality with a proposed alternative, generative rationality. Generative rationality builds on biology-in contrast to ecological rationality's focus on statistics. We argue that in uncertain environments cues are rarely given or available for statistical processing. Therefore we focus on the psychogenesis of awareness rather than psychophysics of cues. For any agent or organism, environments "teem" with indefinite cues, meanings and potential objects, the salience or relevance of which is scarcely obvious based on their statistical or physical properties. We focus on organism-specificity and the organism-directed probing that shapes awareness and perception. Cues in teeming environments are noticed when they serve as cues-for-something, requiring what might be called a "cue-to-clue" transformation. In this sense, awareness toward a cue or cues is actively "grown." We thus argue that perception might more productively be seen as the presentation of cues and objects rather than their representation. This generative approach not only applies to relatively mundane organism (including human) interactions with their environments-as well as organism-object relationships and their embodied nature-but also has significant implications for understanding the emergence of novelty in economic settings. We conclude with a discussion of how our arguments link with-but modify-Herbert Simon's popular "scissors" metaphor, as it applies to bounded rationality and its implications for decision making in uncertain, teeming environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teppo Felin
- Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Koenderink
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Green P, George E, Rosvall K, Johnsen S, Nowicki S. Testosterone, signal coloration, and signal color perception in male zebra finch contests. Ethology 2022; 128:131-142. [PMID: 35185233 PMCID: PMC8849566 DOI: 10.1111/eth.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Many animals use assessment signals to resolve contests over limited resources while minimizing the costs of those contests. The carotenoid-based orange to red bills of male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) are thought to function as assessment signals in male-male contests, but behavioral analyses relating contest behaviors and outcomes to bill coloration have yielded mixed results. We examined the relationship between bill color and contests while incorporating measurements of color perception and testosterone (T) production, for an integrative view of aggressive signal behavior, production, and perception. We assayed the T production capabilities of 12 males in response to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge. We then quantified the initiation, escalation, and outcome of over 400 contests in the group, and measured bill color using calibrated photography. Finally, because signal perception can influence signal function, we tested how males perceive variation in bill coloration, asking if males exhibit categorical perception of bill color, as has been shown recently in female zebra finches. The data suggest that males with greater T production capabilities than their rivals were more likely to initiate contests against those rivals, while males with redder bills than their rivals were more likely to win contests. Males exhibited categorical color perception, but individual variation in the effect of categorical perception on color discrimination abilities did not predict any aspects of contest behavior or outcomes. Our results are consistent with the hypotheses that T plays a role in zebra finch contests and that bill coloration functions as an aggressive signal. We suggest future approaches, based on animal contest theory, for how links among signals, perception, and assessment can be tested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P.A. Green
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - E.M. George
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA,Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - K.A. Rosvall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA,Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - S. Johnsen
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - S. Nowicki
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
RUBubbles as a novel tool to study categorization learning. Behav Res Methods 2021; 54:1778-1793. [PMID: 34671917 PMCID: PMC9374653 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01695-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Grouping objects into discrete categories affects how we perceive the world and represents a crucial element of cognition. Categorization is a widespread phenomenon that has been thoroughly studied. However, investigating categorization learning poses several requirements on the stimulus set in order to control which stimulus feature is used and to prevent mere stimulus-response associations or rote learning. Previous studies have used a wide variety of both naturalistic and artificial categories, the latter having several advantages such as better control and more direct manipulation of stimulus features. We developed a novel stimulus type to study categorization learning, which allows a high degree of customization at low computational costs and can thus be used to generate large stimulus sets very quickly. 'RUBubbles' are designed as visual artificial category stimuli that consist of an arbitrary number of colored spheres arranged in 3D space. They are generated using custom MATLAB code in which several stimulus parameters can be adjusted and controlled separately, such as number of spheres, position in 3D-space, sphere size, and color. Various algorithms for RUBubble generation can be combined with distinct behavioral training protocols to investigate different characteristics and strategies of categorization learning, such as prototype- vs. exemplar-based learning, different abstraction levels, or the categorization of a sensory continuum and category exceptions. All necessary MATLAB code is freely available as open-source code and can be customized or expanded depending on individual needs. RUBubble stimuli can be controlled purely programmatically or via a graphical user interface without MATLAB license or programming experience.
Collapse
|
14
|
Loning H, Griffith SC, Naguib M. Zebra finch song is a very short-range signal in the wild: evidence from an integrated approach. Behav Ecol 2021; 33:37-46. [PMID: 35197805 PMCID: PMC8857932 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arab107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Birdsong is typically seen as a long-range signal functioning in mate attraction and territory defense. Among birds, the zebra finch is the prime model organism in bioacoustics, yet almost exclusively studied in the lab. In the wild, however, zebra finch song differs strikingly from songbirds commonly studied in the wild as zebra finch males sing most after mating and in the absence of territoriality. Using data from the wild, we here provide an ecological context for a wealth of laboratory studies. By integrating calibrated sound recordings, sound transmission experiments and social ecology of zebra finches in the wild with insights from hearing physiology we show that wild zebra finch song is a very short-range signal with an audible range of about nine meters and that even the louder distance calls do not carry much farther (up to about fourteen meters). These integrated findings provide an ecological context for the interpretation of laboratory studies of this species and indicate that the vocal communication distance of the main laboratory species for avian acoustics contrasts strikingly with songbirds that use their song as a long-range advertisement signal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Loning
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon C Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Marc Naguib
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
It is always difficult to even advance possible dimensions of consciousness, but Birch et al., 2020 have suggested four possible dimensions and this review discusses the first, perceptual richness, with relation to octopuses. They advance acuity, bandwidth, and categorization power as possible components. It is first necessary to realize that sensory richness does not automatically lead to perceptual richness and this capacity may not be accessed by consciousness. Octopuses do not discriminate light wavelength frequency (color) but rather its plane of polarization, a dimension that we do not understand. Their eyes are laterally placed on the head, leading to monocular vision and head movements that give a sequential rather than simultaneous view of items, possibly consciously planned. Details of control of the rich sensorimotor system of the arms, with 3/5 of the neurons of the nervous system, may normally not be accessed to the brain and thus to consciousness. The chromatophore-based skin appearance system is likely open loop, and not available to the octopus’ vision. Conversely, in a laboratory situation that is not ecologically valid for the octopus, learning about shapes and extents of visual figures was extensive and flexible, likely consciously planned. Similarly, octopuses’ local place in and navigation around space can be guided by light polarization plane and visual landmark location and is learned and monitored. The complex array of chemical cues delivered by water and on surfaces does not fit neatly into the components above and has barely been tested but might easily be described as perceptually rich. The octopus’ curiosity and drive to investigate and gain more information may mean that, apart from richness of any stimulus situation, they are consciously driven to seek out more information. This review suggests that cephalopods may not have a similar type of intelligence as the ‘higher’ vertebrates, they may not have similar dimensions or contents of consciousness, but that such a capacity is present nevertheless.
Collapse
|
16
|
Rodríguez-Morales D, Tapia-McClung H, Robledo-Ospina LE, Rao D. Colour and motion affect a dune wasp's ability to detect its cryptic spider predators. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15442. [PMID: 34326422 PMCID: PMC8322161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ambush predators depend on cryptic body colouration, stillness and a suitable hunting location to optimise the probability of prey capture. Detection of cryptic predators, such as crab spiders, by flower seeking wasps may also be hindered by wind induced movement of the flowers themselves. In a beach dune habitat, Microbembex nigrifrons wasps approaching flowerheads of the Palafoxia lindenii plant need to evaluate the flowers to avoid spider attack. Wasps may detect spiders through colour and movement cues. We tracked the flight trajectories of dune wasps as they approached occupied and unoccupied flowers under two movement conditions; when the flowers were still or moving. We simulated the appearance of the spider and the flower using psychophysical visual modelling techniques and related it to the decisions made by the wasp to land or avoid the flower. Wasps could discriminate spiders only at a very close range, and this was reflected in the shape of their trajectories. Wasps were more prone to making errors in threat assessment when the flowers are moving. Our results suggest that dune wasp predation risk is augmented by abiotic conditions such as wind and compromises their early detection capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Rodríguez-Morales
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Ecología Aplicada (INBIOTECA), Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Horacio Tapia-McClung
- Instituto de Investigación en Inteligencia Artificial (IIIA), Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Luis E Robledo-Ospina
- Red de Ecoetología, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec No. 351, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Dinesh Rao
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Ecología Aplicada (INBIOTECA), Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Paul A, McLendon H, Rally V, Sakata JT, Woolley SC. Behavioral discrimination and time-series phenotyping of birdsong performance. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008820. [PMID: 33830995 PMCID: PMC8049717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation in the acoustic structure of vocal signals is important to communicate social information. However, relatively little is known about the features that receivers extract to decipher relevant social information. Here, we took an expansive, bottom-up approach to delineate the feature space that could be important for processing social information in zebra finch song. Using operant techniques, we discovered that female zebra finches can consistently discriminate brief song phrases ("motifs") from different social contexts. We then applied machine learning algorithms to classify motifs based on thousands of time-series features and to uncover acoustic features for motif discrimination. In addition to highlighting classic acoustic features, the resulting algorithm revealed novel features for song discrimination, for example, measures of time irreversibility (i.e., the degree to which the statistical properties of the actual and time-reversed signal differ). Moreover, the algorithm accurately predicted female performance on individual motif exemplars. These data underscore and expand the promise of broad time-series phenotyping to acoustic analyses and social decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avishek Paul
- Dept. Electrical & Computer Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Dept. Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Helen McLendon
- Keck Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | | - Jon T. Sakata
- Dept. Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- * E-mail: (JTS); (SCW)
| | - Sarah C. Woolley
- Dept. Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- * E-mail: (JTS); (SCW)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Duncan AB, Salazar BA, Garcia SR, Brandley NC. A Sexual Dimorphism in the Spatial Vision of North American Band-Winged Grasshoppers. Integr Org Biol 2021; 3:obab008. [PMID: 34396041 PMCID: PMC8358991 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual acuity (VA)-a measurement of the fineness or coarseness of vision-may vary within a species including between the biological sexes. Although numerous studies have found males with finer VA than females, relatively few have shown the opposite with females having finer vision. This is surprising because our understanding of between species differences in VA suggests that females may have finer vision than males if they 1) are larger than males, or 2) need finer vision to detect and/or discriminate between males. Here, we estimate the interommatidial angle (ΔΦ, an anatomical measurement of VA) in three species of band-winged grasshoppers in which females are both the larger sex and likely interpret visual signals (Arphia pseudonietana, Dissosteira carolina, and Spharagemon equale; total n = 98). Using a radius of curvature estimation method, we find that females have ∼19% finer estimated ΔΦ than males in the most acute region and axis of the eye, but that this dimorphism varies between species. Further visual explorations of the species showing the greatest body size dimorphism (D. carolina) suggest that this ΔΦ dimorphism is driven by females having larger eyes with more ommatidia. In contrast to many diurnal flying insects where males have finer vision to acquire mates, our study is one of the first to demonstrate a female-biased sexual dimorphism in acuity. Given 1) the number of species in which females are larger than males, and 2) the variability of mating behaviors across taxa, our results suggest that differences in VA between the sexes may be more common than currently appreciated. Resumen La agudeza visual (AV)-una medida de la finura o la dificultad visual-puede variar dentro de una especie, incluso entre los sexos biológicos. Aunque numerosos estudios han encontrado machos con una AV más fina que las hembras, relativamente pocos han demostrado lo contrario, hembras con visión más fina. Esto es sorprendente porque nuestra comprensión de diferencias entre especies en AV sugiere que las hembras pueden tener una visión más fina que los machos si 1) son más grandes que los machos, o 2) necesitan una visión más fina para detectar y/o discriminar entre los machos. Aquí, estimamos el ángulo interommatidial (ΔΦ, una medida anatómica de AV) en tres especies de saltamontes de ala de banda en las que las hembras son el sexo más grande y probablemente interpretan señales visuales (Arphia pseudonietana, Dissosteira carolina, y Spharagemon equale; total n = 98). Usando un método de estimación de radio de curvatura, encontramos que las hembras tienen un estimado ΔΦ ∼19% más fino que los machos en la región y eje más agudos del ojo, pero que este dimorfismo varía entre especies. Exploraciones visuales adicionales de la especie que muestra el mayor dimorfismo del tamaño corporal (D. carolina) sugieren que este dimorfismo de ΔΦ debe a que las hembras tienen ojos más grandes con más omatidios. En contraste con muchos insectos voladores diurnos donde los machos tienen una visión más fina para adquirir parejas, nuestro estudio es uno de los primeros en demostrar un dimorfismo sesgado por las hembras en la agudeza. Dado 1) el número de especies en las que las hembras son más grandes que los machos, y 2) la variabilidad de los comportamientos de apareamiento entre taxones, nuestros resultados sugieren que las diferencies de AV entre los sexos pueden ser más comunes de lo que se aprecia actualmente.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A B Duncan
- Department of Organismal Biology and Ecology, Colorado College, 14 E, W Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA
| | - B A Salazar
- Department of Organismal Biology and Ecology, Colorado College, 14 E, W Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA
| | - S R Garcia
- Department of Biology, College of Wooster, 1189 Beall Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - N C Brandley
- Department of Organismal Biology and Ecology, Colorado College, 14 E, W Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA.,Department of Biology, College of Wooster, 1189 Beall Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Luro AB, Fernández-Juricic E, Baumhardt P, Hauber ME. Visual acuity and egg spatial chromatic contrast predict egg rejection behavior of American robins. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb229609. [PMID: 32895322 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.229609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Color and spatial vision is critical for recognition and discrimination tasks affecting fitness, including finding food and mates, and recognizing offspring. For example, as a counter defense to avoid the cost of raising the unrelated offspring of obligate interspecific avian brood parasites, many host species routinely view, recognize and remove the foreign egg(s) from their nests. Recent research has shown that host species visually attend to both chromatic and spatial pattern features of eggs; yet how hosts simultaneously integrate these features together when recognizing eggs remains an open question. Here, we tested egg rejection responses of American robins (Turdus migratorius) using a range of 3D-printed model eggs covered with blue and yellow checkered patterns differing in relative square sizes. We predicted that robins would reject a model egg if they could visually resolve the blue and yellow squares as separate features, or accept it if the squares blended together and appeared similar in color to the natural blue-green color of robin eggs as perceived by the avian visual system. As predicted, the probability of robins rejecting a model egg increased with greater sizes of its blue and yellow squares. Our results suggest that chromatic visual acuity and viewing distance have the potential to limit the ability of a bird to recognize a foreign egg in its nest, thus providing a limitation to host egg recognition that obligate interspecific avian brood parasites may exploit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alec B Luro
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Esteban Fernández-Juricic
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Patrice Baumhardt
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schweikert LE, Davis AL, Johnsen S, Bracken‐Grissom HD. Visual perception of light organ patterns in deep-sea shrimps and implications for conspecific recognition. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:9503-9513. [PMID: 32953078 PMCID: PMC7487218 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Darkness and low biomass make it challenging for animals to find and identify one another in the deep sea. While spatiotemporal variation in bioluminescence is thought to underlie mate recognition for some species, its role in conspecific recognition remains unclear. The deep-sea shrimp genus, Sergestes sensu lato (s.l.), is one group that is characterized by species-specific variation in light organ arrangement, providing us the opportunity to test whether organ variation permits recognition to the species level. To test this, we analyzed the visual capabilities of three species of Sergestes s.l. in order to (a) test for sexual dimorphism in eye-to-body size scaling relationships, (b) model the visual ranges (i.e., sighting distances) over which these shrimps can detect intraspecific bioluminescence, and (c) assess the maximum possible spatial resolution of the eyes of these shrimps to estimate their capacity to distinguish the light organs of each species. Our results showed that relative eye size scaled negatively with body length across species and without sexual dimorphism. Though the three species appear capable of detecting one another's bioluminescence over distances ranging from < 1 to ~6 m, their limited spatial resolution suggests they cannot resolve light organ variation for the purpose of conspecific recognition. Our findings point to factors other than conspecific recognition (e.g., neutral drift, phenotypic constraint) that have led to the extensive diversification of light organs in Sergestes s.l and impart caution about interpreting ecological significance of visual characters based on the resolution of human vision. This work provides new insight into deep-sea animal interaction, supporting the idea that-at least for these mesopelagic shrimps-nonvisual signals may be required for conspecific recognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorian E. Schweikert
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of EnvironmentFlorida International UniversityNorth MiamiFLUSA
| | | | | | - Heather D. Bracken‐Grissom
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of EnvironmentFlorida International UniversityNorth MiamiFLUSA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Corris A. Defining the Environment in Organism-Environment Systems. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1285. [PMID: 32733307 PMCID: PMC7358536 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Enactivism and ecological psychology converge on the relevance of the environment in understanding perception and action. On both views, perceiving organisms are not merely passive receivers of environmental stimuli, but rather form a dynamic relationship with their environments in such a way that shapes how they interact with the world. In this paper, I suggest that while enactivism and ecological psychology enjoy a shared specification of the environment as the cognitive domain, on both accounts, the structure of the environment, itself, is unspecified beyond that of contingent relations with the species-typical sensorimotor capacities of perceiving organisms. This lack of specification creates a considerable gap in theory regarding the organization of organisms as coupled with their environments. I argue that this gap can be filled by drawing from resources in developmental systems theory, namely, specifying the environmental state-space as a developmental niche that shapes and is shaped by individual organisms over developmental and, on a population scale, evolutionary time. Defining the environment as an organism’s developmental niche makes it clearer how and why certain contingencies have arisen, in turn, strengthening a joint appeal to both enactivism and ecological psychology as theories asserting complementarity between organisms and their environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Corris
- Department of Philosophy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Green PA, Brandley NC, Nowicki S. Categorical perception in animal communication and decision-making. Behav Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/araa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The information an animal gathers from its environment, including that associated with signals, often varies continuously. Animals may respond to this continuous variation in a physical stimulus as lying in discrete categories rather than along a continuum, a phenomenon known as categorical perception. Categorical perception was first described in the context of speech and thought to be uniquely associated with human language. Subsequent work has since discovered that categorical perception functions in communication and decision-making across animal taxa, behavioral contexts, and sensory modalities. We begin with an overview of how categorical perception functions in speech perception and, then, describe subsequent work illustrating its role in nonhuman animal communication and decision-making. We synthesize this work to suggest that categorical perception may be favored where there is a benefit to 1) setting consistent behavioral response rules in the face of variation and potential overlap in the physical structure of signals, 2) especially rapid decision-making, or 3) reducing the costs associated with processing and/or comparing signals. We conclude by suggesting other systems in which categorical perception may play a role as a next step toward understanding how this phenomenon may influence our thinking about the function and evolution of animal communication and decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Green
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
- Biology Department, Duke University, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas C Brandley
- Department of Biology, College of Wooster, Ruth W. Williams Hall, Wooster, OH, USA
| | - Stephen Nowicki
- Biology Department, Duke University, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|